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County reports provisional broadband awards; wireless study funded with $60,000 grant
Summary
Staff said federal provisional awards will cover most of the 500–600 remaining unserved addresses in Columbia County; named providers include a consolidated 'Titanium' and Skylink. The county used a $60,000 grant plus match to commission a wireless study and seeks reimbursement.
County staff updated the board on broadband progress, reporting a federal provisional award of funds to providers to serve roughly the remaining 500–600 unserved addresses in Columbia County. Staff named a consolidated provider (referred to in the transcript as "Titanium") and Skylink as successful applicants; about 80 addresses were allocated to Skylink in the county's allocations.
Staff described a locally funded wireless study (a $60,000 grant the county pursued and matched) that used burner phones to test coverage at 12 locations in each town and said the state was interested in the results. The county is seeking reimbursement for that study and submitted a proposal for a second‑phase assessment. The presenter also flagged potential federal‑level debate over whether to invest in wired infrastructure versus expanding satellite services and noted ongoing concerns about affordable service packages for low‑income and older residents.
Board members asked about percentage coverage and where remaining gaps exist; staff said they will provide further data when the state finishes its review.
